May 2021 Newsletter.Pub
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Municipality of Colchester NEWSLETTER Inside this issue: May 2021 Volume 26 Issue 2 A Message from the From the Mayor’s Desk RCMP 3 Colchester Honours and Remembers the Lives Lost, April 2020: Public Works 3 On April 18 and 19, the Municipality of Colchester honoured and remembered the 22 lives and unborn Waste Resource 4 child that were so senselessly taken from us one year Management ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families, loved ones and all who were impacted. Community The grieving process relating to this tragedy has been 7 Development very difficult for many, both due to the extreme nature of the tragedy and to the pandemic and inability to gather in larger groups. Many remain traumatized and Recreation 9 will continue to grieve and heal, individually, in their own way, in their own time, along with those around Colchester Regional them who offer love and support. EMO 12 The anniversary was a time to acknowledge and remember the lives of those lost, and to recognize the courage and resilience of those most deeply affected. In remembrance, the Municipality lowered flags at its facilities to half-mast and lit the Municipal Office, the visitor centre at the Fundy Discovery Site, and the Five Islands Lighthouse, in blue. Other organizations and community members were encouraged to join in similar expressions of observance that included hanging flags in windows and tying Nova Scotia tartan to mailboxes. Many participated in the Nova Scotia Remembers Memorial Race, Commemorative Walk, and viewed the touching Memorial Ceremony that was televised nationwide. These opportunities to grieve together were important to the healing of our communities, though were indeed a reminder of how deeply we remain affected today. It has been apparent by the outpouring of love and support received from around the province, country and the world, that this tragedy has greatly impacted many. We have been humbled by the show of kindness and support that Colchester has received. The Municipality of Colchester thanks all who have offered condolences, kind gestures, expressions of remembrance, and donations to support the community and the families of Housing the victims. All have been a light that has helped restore and lift spirits during a very dark Survey and difficult time. Page 7 My heart goes out to each of you who continue to grieve and to heal. May we all find comfort and solace in those around us both now and in the days ahead. My sincere Page 2 Municipality of Colchester condolences. Permanent Memorial: It is with the deepest respect that the Municipalities of Colchester, Cumberland, East Hants and Halifax Regional Municipality wish to discuss a permanent memorial with family representatives. We will be reaching out to you in the near future. Our Colchester Volunteers: National Volunteer Week was held April 18 to 24, 2021. It was a time to celebrate and thank our many volunteers in Colchester County, and in Nova Scotia, in recognition of their contributions to our communities. Volunteering is a selfless act. Volunteers expect nothing in return for their countless hours, sharing their skills and experience to help others. In Nova Scotia, we are told over 52 percent of Nova Scotians volunteer their time in some way. While they enjoy the camaraderie of a team effort, or the gratification of helping others, they inspire us, give strength to our communities and truly make a difference. Each year, pre-COVID times, in a cooperative event at which we partner with the Town of Truro, we celebrate with our volunteers and recognized each personally. With COVID restrictions and health directives, we’ve had to change from that in-person event. In Colchester County for 2021, we are recognizing 23 volunteers, plus six 50+ year recipients in our fire service. Along with the many charitable and non-profits, service clubs and various other organizations in our County, Colchester is very fortunate to have 17 fire brigades, and the Colchester Ground Search & Rescue team, all of whom are dedicated volunteers. 2021 Fire Service Recipients are: from the Salmon River Fire Brigade; Robert Taylor (60 years), Hermine Langille (55 years), Don McGill (55 years) and Kenny Campbell (50 years). From the Brookfield Fire and Emergency Service; Herb MacFarlane (55 years) and Charlie Burnett (55 years). On behalf of our Council, staff and residents in Colchester County, I want to thank each and every one of you for your time, and your many contributions to our communities. COVID-19: We are now into our second year like no other we have ever experienced due to COVID-19. We are faced with increased numbers of cases in our province, which is considered to be the safest province in the country, thanks to our own Dr. Robert Strang, his team of professionals, the backing of the provincial government, and our own strength and determination. We must remain vigilant. Continue to follow the health directives, get vaccinated as soon as possible, continue social distancing and wearing masks. As a Municipality, Colchester continues to follow all the health protocols as directed. Please stay safe. We will persevere. In Closing: We are beginning to see some warmer weather, despite a few cooler days and some snowflakes in the air. It’s good to have spring here again. Spring is a time for renewal, rejuvenation, for brighter days, and for optimism. Enjoy each day! Christine Blair, Mayor MayMay 2021 2021 Page 3 A Message From the RCMP Public Works Tips and Reminders for your Sewer Connections If you are connecting to municipal sewer, please remember the following: A sewer permit is required for all new connections and repairs/replacements of old connections; Inspections are required for all connections; Pipe and fittings must be constructed of 100 mm diameter gasketed PVC SDR35; A clean-out must be installed at the property line, and every 30 metres after this; No right-angle junctions can be used; The pipe must be laid at a grade of 2%; A back-flow check valve must be installed inside the structure in an accessible location; and, A sewer lateral must be a minimum of 15.2 metres from a drilled well or can be reduced to 3 metres only if the sewer lateral is double lined. Page 4 Municipality of Colchester Waste Resource Management Waste Reduction Helpline: 902-895-4777 Website: www.colchester.ca Twitter: @ColchesterWRM Facebook: Colchester WRM Colchester Balefill Facility Materials Recovery Facility 188 Mingo Road, Exit 18 185 Mingo Road, Exit 18 Highway 104 Kemptown Highway 104 Kemptown Hours of Operation: Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Reminder: All visitors must report to the Scalehouse prior to unloading materials. The Scalehouse operator can accept cash, a personal cheque, or Interac as payment for disposal. The Scalehouse is not equipped with a credit card machine. All loads must be tarped to prevent litter problems. Untarped loads will be subject to a $20 surcharge. AFTER HOURS DUMPING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. As per Chapter 33, Solid Waste By-law, no person shall place, cause to be placed or permit to be placed any solid waste at or adjacent to a municipal solid waste management facility when the facility is not open. This violation carries a penalty of up to $5,000. The Balefill and Materials Recovery Facilities will be closed on Monday, May 24th for Victoria Day, Thursday, July 1st for Canada Day, Monday, August 2nd for the Civic Holiday and Monday, September 6th for Labour Day. Important Holiday Collection Change Notice Residents whose normal collection is scheduled for Thursday, July 1st Canada Day – due to the Holiday, your collection will take place on Monday, July 5th. Please refer to your waste collection schedule for details or download our FREE Colchester Waste app. Material must be curbside by 7:00 am on your collection day. Litter Litter is still an ongoing problem in our society. There are programs such as the Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up where citizens and groups can be outfitted with bags for free to do a community clean up. You can register your clean-up with the Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up. They provide you with documents to help you plan your event: a copy of the Pick-Me- Up handbook, and a poster that you can use to help promote your event. There is a copy of a data card which should be completed after the clean-up to document all the material. For more information, visit www.nspickmeup.ca. May 2021 Page 5 Colchester Compost Giveaway Due to Covid, last year’s compost giveaway was cancelled. Normally, free compost is available during Compost Awareness Week – the first full week in May. This year’s plan was to hold the giveaway for the entire month of May. This year, residential property owners are permitted double the amount of free compost - 200kgs or six bags. Due to the Provincial Lockdown at the time of press, the free compost program will begin the day after restrictions are lifted. If you have previously made an appointment, please contact us with your information – address, telephone and/or email. We will be able to reschedule and contact you once the restrictions are lifted. Compost can be purchased for $2/ bag (animal feed bag size - 21” x 41”) or $35/metric tonne all year long – when there are no public health restrictions in place. All compost orders-free or purchased, require an appointment. To book an appointment, call 902-895-4777.